Utah basketball: Cool Ogbe comes through with 12 points in 12 minutes in win over UCLA

By Mike Sorensen , Deseret News

Published: Saturday, Jan. 18 2014 7:35 p.m. MST

Kenneth Ogbe (25) of the Utah Utes takes a three point shot against David Wear (12) of the UCLA Bruins during NCAA basketball in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Kenneth Ogbe, Utah’s 6-foot-6 freshman guard from Germany, hasn’t seen much time on the floor for the Utes this year. His last significant action came in mop-up duty of a blowout win over St. Katherine three weeks earlier. Against USC two nights earlier, he played all of 15 seconds.

Yet there the 19-year-old was, playing significant second-half minutes Saturday afternoon against UCLA, making all four of his shots from the field and hitting a pair of pressure-packed free throws in the final minute of Utah’s 74-69 victory over the Bruins.

Ogbe finished with a career-high 12 points in just 12 minutes and was a big reason why the Utes beat UCLA for the first time at home in 86 years.

“It’s a great example of a kid that stays with it when presented with an opportunity and beyond hitting some jump shots, making some really positive plays,’’ said Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak.

Jordan Loveridge (21), and Kenneth Ogbe of the Utah Utes celebrate as the game ends in a win over UCLA during NCAA basketball in Salt Lake City, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014. At right is Bryce Alford (20) of the UCLA Bruins. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)

The Ute coach decided to give Ogbe more minutes Saturday because he wanted to use his size against the taller Bruin lineup. Plus he’s earned it in practice.

“He’s been bringing it in practice consistently with a smile on his face,’’ Krystkowiak said. “The one thing I’ve noticed is that he’s much improved defensively and is athletic and long and I thought he would be a good guy today.’’

After hitting his only shot in the first half, Ogbe sank a pair of 3-pointers and another jumper during a five-minute stretch when the Utes extended their lead to 58-43 at the 10:15 mark.

Ogbe sat on the bench while UCLA crept back into the game, but with 1:01 left, Krystkowiak put him back in the game with the Utes up 69-65. Eight seconds later, Ogbe was fouled.